How long should one refrain from sports after surgery?
March 31, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Günther Zollmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Felix Strauss and I recently underwent a plastic surgery operation. I am very satisfied with the results, but now I am wondering how long I should refrain from doing any sports to ensure that everything heals well and no complications arise.
I am a passionate athlete and usually engage in sports regularly, especially strength training and endurance activities such as running and swimming. I am concerned that exercising could affect the results of the surgery or that I may injure myself if I start exercising too soon.
I have not received specific instructions from my treating doctor on how long I should pause from sports. Therefore, I am reaching out to you for advice. How long should I wait after the surgery before I can start exercising again? Are there any specific exercises I should avoid? And what should I pay attention to in order to ensure that my body is fully healed before resuming sports?
Thank you in advance for your help and guidance. I look forward to receiving your recommendations to support my optimal recovery.
Best regards,
Felix Strauss
Dear Mr. Strauss,
I am glad to hear that you are satisfied with the results of your plastic surgery operation and understand your concerns regarding sports after the operation. It is important that you give your body sufficient time to fully recover before engaging in sports again. Not only does this help to avoid potential complications, but it also helps to maintain the results of the operation.
Generally, I recommend to my patients to refrain from sports for at least 4-6 weeks after a plastic surgery operation. This timeline may vary depending on the type of operation and individual healing processes, so it is important for you to consult with your treating physician for specific recommendations. During this time, you should avoid intense training, especially strength training and endurance sports, as they can strain the affected areas and impede the healing process.
It is also important to avoid certain exercises that could directly impact the operated region. For example, after a breast operation, you should avoid exercises that heavily engage the chest muscles. It is advisable to perform gentle movements that do not overload the body, such as light stretching exercises or gentle walks.
To ensure that your body is fully healed before returning to sports, pay attention to warning signs such as pain, swelling, or redness. If you notice such symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.
I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need specific information about your operation, do not hesitate to contact me. I wish you a speedy recovery and success in your comeback to sports.
Best regards,
Dr. Günther Zollmann
